When considering redoing the surface of that old wooden kitchen table, why not give it a metal surface instead of painting or sanding and revarnishing it? A sheet of flashing over the surface of the table will give it a modern commercial look and make the surface easier to clean after use. And although it will take a little effort, the process of redoing the table with flashing instead of painting or varnishing will take less time, too.
Instructions
Preparation
1. Measure the length and width of the tabletop.
2. Measure the side edge of the table and add 1 inch to it.
3. Multiply the edge measurement by 2 and add it to the table top dimensions. For instance, if the side measures 1 1/2 inches, you will add 1 inch to that measurement (2 1/2 inches) and multiply it by 2 (5 inches total). Add that total to the measurement of the table top, so if the table top measures 3 feet by 2 feet, then your final dimensions will be 3 feet 5 inches by 2 feet 5 inches. This final measurement will determine the size for the piece of metal flashing you will use to cover the table.
4. Center the flashing on the table and on the underside draw a line with a marker or pencil that will help you to lay it correctly when you are attaching it to the surface. You might prefer to trace the entire table or only mark out one or two sides.
Attaching the Flashing
5. Apply heavy-duty adhesive to the surface of the table.
6. Lay the flashing on the glued surface of the table, using the guide(s) you drew to make sure it is centered the first time, if possible. The adhesive should start setting within 10 minutes, so you won't have much time for do-overs.
7. Wait 15 to 20 minutes to allow the flashing to adhere to the tabletop.
8. Cut each of the four corners of the flashing with the tin snips. Start at the point of each corner and cut diagonally in to the corner of the table.
9. Bend the flashing down over each side edge of the table. Doing this is very similar to wrapping a present. You should have enough extra to bend the flashing under the side edge so that the visible edge of your table covering will be smooth. You may find it helpful or even necessary to use the hammer to assist in bending the flashing, especially when you are folding it under the side edge.
10. Secure the flashing to the table with the screws using the power screwdriver. Place the screws so that they are about 1/8 inch from the edge of the flashing on the underside of the table edge. Put two screws in each of the shorter sides of the table and three screws in each of the longer sides of the table.
11. If there are sharp edges on the corners of the table, use the hammer to pound them down and smooth them out.
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